SHASTA COUNTY, Calif. — Health care organizations across the Northstate are working to recruit and retain more physicians as the region continues to face a shortage of doctors, from family medicine providers to specialists.
Eight health care organizations recently came together for a Hawaiian-themed social event in Redding for about 30 resident physicians training in the area. The gathering was designed to introduce residents to local health care opportunities while helping them build connections to the community.
Resident physicians are medical school graduates who continue their training under experienced doctors in clinical settings before practicing independently.
Hannah Young, a physician recruiter with Dignity Health North State, said organizers are increasingly looking for candidates who already have ties to the region or an interest in building a life in Northern California.
“This event every year has definitely increased awareness of Northstate opportunities,” Young said.
Dr. Darrick Nelson, chief medical officer at Shasta Community Health Center, said the residency program has also adjusted its screening process to ask applicants more questions about their connection to the North State and whether they could see themselves staying in the area after completing their training.
“We want them to train here and we want them to live here and continue to serve the community here from a medical perspective,” Nelson said.
Shasta Community Health Center currently retains about 33% of its residency graduates, according to Nelson.
For Dr. Kim Mays, the effort appears to be working. Mays, who is originally from Reno, said she was looking for a smaller Northern California community that would keep her close to home while offering a place to raise a family.
“It’s beautiful here,” Mays said. “I like the people a lot. Everyone’s super nice. The community’s wonderful. The patients are great.”
Mays said she and her family have enjoyed Redding enough that they hope to stay.
Her experience mirrors that of Dr. Dwayne Bland, Dignity Health’s residency director, who also began his career in the area as a resident physician.
Bland said the Northstate’s natural surroundings and community initially drew him to the area, but his career ultimately gave him another reason to remain.
“It’s been an awesome career,” Bland said. “I get to see patients, I get to do administrative things, and I get to teach and work with some great residents.”
Local health care leaders are also continuing discussions about expanding residency programs in the region, along with the possibility of eventually establishing a medical school in the Northstate.
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